ATHENS — NexGen Crane & Rigging, a Mississippi-based crane, rigging and transport company, is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its second Athens facility.

The ceremony will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at the company’s new eight-acre equipment yard at 1560 Wilkinson St.

The new yard includes a 100- x 125-foot equipment shed, office space and a mechanics shop.

NexGen has invested $4.5 million in the company’s expansion and hired eight team members for its North Madison Street office.

Pammie Jimmar, Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce president, said she is thrilled about the company’s growth.

“Their expansion into the Athens area has been amazing for not just citizens of this community, but businesses as well,” she said. “We’re so excited to see what’s in store for the future.”

With three cranes operating in Alabama and a fourth on the way, Nexgen’s Mississippi crane fleet is supporting current projects as the company continues to develop its capacity in the Athens area.

Thompson sees this expansion as an incredible growth opportunity and is confident this new location, along with its team members, is setting NexGen and the Athens community up for a solid future.

Since arriving in North Alabama, NexGen’s projects included hanging the sign at the new Buc-ee’s, assisting in constructing the I-565 interchange at Town Madison, and replacing a grain chute at Aviagen.

Founded by the Thompson family, the company’s Chief Operating Officer Brent Thompson credits the its success to his late grandfather.

“It is very special to carry on his legacy by expanding into a new market with the addition of NexGen’s second location in Athens,” said Thompson. “If he was here today, he would be our biggest cheerleader.”